FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS ABOUT CARPET

CAN I BUY A MOHAWK CARPET DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY?

Mohawk believes that carpet is a custom installed product for each consumer and installation. An Authorized Mohawk Retailer is trained to provide advice on the type of product suited to your lifestyle, to assist you in selecting the proper underlayment (carpet cushion), and to arrange for proper installation by trained installers. Therefore, Mohawk does not sell residential carpet direct to individuals.

WHAT IS CARPET TWIST?

Carpet twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rule, the more twist or turns on a fiber, the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are twisted tighter have a different “feel” than those that are less tight.

DOES A RATING SYSTEM INSURE THAT I GET THE RIGHT CARPET?

A rating system developed by a manufacturer is their own evaluation of products based on their set of standards and “testing” methods. These Rating Systems cannot be compared across manufacturers since most are based on people’s opinion and not strict testing methods.

IF I KNOW THE WEIGHT OR OTHER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS, CAN I COMPARE PRODUCTS?

Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, but there are many other factors that can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.

IF I BEND THE CARPET AND SEE THE BACKING DOES THIS MEAN THE CARPET IS LOW QUALITY?

No. All carpets, except woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts (ends). Remember, except for stairs, carpet is flat on the floor. You can feel the thickness or density of different carpets by sticking your fingers in the pile, but do it on a flat surface. As a general rule, thicker, tighter, denser carpets perform better.

I’VE HEARD THAT YOU CAN SAVE MONEY BY BUYING AN UNBRANDED YARN AS OPPOSED TO A BRANDED YARN. IS IT TRUE THAT YOU GET THE SAME THING, BUT YOU DON’T PAY EXTRA FOR THE BRAND NAME?

As a rule, similar products with unbranded yarns can be less expensive but that does not mean you get the same thing. Just like the difference between buying a Mohawk branded carpet and an unbranded carpet, branded fiber brands and treatments such as Stainmaster®, Wear–Dated®, and 3M Scotchgard® Protector Advanced Repel Technology are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Using branded fibers can also give you extended warranties backed by the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer. By using both branded fiber and unbranded fiber, Mohawk can offer you a wide variety of styles, colorations, and price points.

CAN I SAVE MONEY BY BUYING A LESS EXPENSIVE CARPET AND PUTTING THE BEST CUSHION UNDER IT?

There is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet.